Construction on a £10 million hospice redevelopment has commenced, representing a significant investment in specialist end-of-life care services.
Michelle Collins, the actress serving as ambassador for North London Hospice, donned protective headgear and work boots on September 24 to formally commence work on the organisation’s new inpatient facility.
The upgraded premises will serve patients and their families throughout Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey, providing contemporary surroundings for specialist treatment and support.
Michelle Collins, who was travelling to tape sequences for the BBC soap opera EastEnders, quipped that the previous occasion she encountered a spade, it had been employed to strike her about the head.
Declan Carroll, chief executive of North London Hospice, stated that the day marked the beginning of a fresh phase for the organisation.
He expressed gratitude to every contributor and well-wisher who had assisted in reaching this milestone, noting that their contributions were enabling the construction of premises that would serve local residents for generations and serve as a demonstration of hospice care standards across North London.
The £10 million scheme represents the charitable organisation’s most substantial undertaking since the initial inpatient accommodation was constructed over three decades ago.
Following detailed engagement with stakeholders and comprehensive assessment, hospice leadership concluded that complete reconstruction was essential to address the evolving requirements of patients.
The new accommodation will deliver contemporary, welcoming surroundings for care and assistance, guaranteeing the hospice can maintain its operations well into the future.
Neilcott Construction Ltd secured the contract following a tendering exercise.
Financial backing has originated from a combination of substantial benefactors, charitable trusts, corporate sponsors, and some public funding, though the hospice still requires an additional £1.7 million.
A fundraising campaign aimed at the general public will commence during the autumn season.
Care provision will persist throughout the building work, with inpatient services temporarily housed at Jade Ward within Edgware Community Hospital since July 1, 2026.
The new facility is projected to become operational by autumn 2027.
The foundation-laying ceremony additionally commemorated the hospice’s four-decade legacy, with attendees encompassing one of its originators Harriet Copperman, honorary presidents Penny Gluckstein and Geoffrey Hill, and board of trustees chair Simon Morris MBE.